Cirrus Aircraft started construction of its Vision Center at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee.

"Our mission to deliver an aviation experience that is the pinnacle of innovation, quality, and safety is taking a giant leap forward with our expansion here in Tennessee," Cirrus Aircraft Co-Founder and CEO Dale Klapmeier said. "Cirrus Aircraft's story is one of growth and expansion – first to Duluth, Minnesota then Grand Forks, North Dakota and now Knoxville, Tennessee. The Vision Center embodies our mission to deliver a world class aviation experience."

Customer activities at the new Vision Center will encompass all Cirrus Aircraft airplanes, products and services including both the SR series of aircraft and the Vision SF50 single-engine personal jet. Research and development, along with manufacturing operations, will continue to take place in both Duluth and Grand Forks. Factory Service Center operations at the Vision Center are slated to open in the first half of 2016, while the remaining customer activities are targeted to commence during the second half of 2016.

"Thursday's groundbreaking for the Vision Center is a true inflection point for the company and for the entire Cirrus family," said Todd Simmons, President, Customer Experience. "Our sights are aimed high as we develop a world class and game-changing customer facility in Tennessee and as we make good on our promise to enhance the customer experience to a level never seen before in general aviation. We couldn't be more excited as we take this next step on that journey here in Knoxville."